01 runner

[4runnerfevr]

I have a 01 4runner that the right rear wheel bearing is leaking. I changed the seal thinking that would fix the leak. I notice today that it is still leaking, I read some where the when you replace the bearing you should replace it backwards so the flange part will seat better against the seal. just wandering if anyone has done this and if they have any problems with leakage since?

 

[nissanh]

Did you use an OEM seal? I had no problem with the repair. I had a wheel leaking oil so I replaced just the oil seal. It is about 1000 miles and no issues. I actually replaced both sides and no issues so far. Any aftermarket oil seals tend to bend while it is driven in so that might be the issue.

 

[4runnerfevr]

01

I got the seals from NAPA, They had several types. They gave me the ones that it called for.

 

[MStudt]

The leak on those seals are caused by the bearing going bad. If you only replaced the seal it'll most likely start leaking in a very short time. The bearing needs to be replaced in order for the seal to do its job.

You can pull the shaft out, and wiggle the dust shield to see the play. If it's leaking it'll have a significant amount of play in it. I would also recommend replacing both sides at the same time. The downfall about those bearing is they need to be pressed on/off. You'll need to find a shop to do that unless you have a bearing press tool, and press.

I just replaced both of mine about 4500k miles ago, and paid $125 per side for the press work.

 

[JohnMc]

Might also be worth checking that the axle breather is not stuck shut. Mine developed a leak on the passenger side at around 180K miles and the main issue was the breather, I put in an extended breather and cleaned everything really well and it was good for another 40K miles.

That time, it really was the seal, so I replaced both seals, both bearings.

Whoever presses the bearings on needs to take particular notice of the spacing between the pieces. They do not all press in until they touch each other.